George Washington Frees His Slaves in His Will

Pol Light Moment #81 was when George Washington put in his will to have his slaves freed. He died on December 14, 1799. George Washington (1732-1799) was the First President of the United States, serving from 1789-1797. Prior to serving as President he was a military leader when the United States was struggling for it's freedom as a nation.

Washington specified in his Last Will and Testament that all of his slaves would be freed upon his wife's death. However, his wife, Martha Washington freed all his slaves on January 1, 1801, a little over a year after his death (MountVernon.org).

"In addition to ordering their freedom, Washington's Last Will and Testament commanded his heirs to clothe and feed those slaves who were incapable of supporting themselves due to age or infirmity. His estate continued to fulfill this responsibility for over three decades (MountVernon.org)."

In 1786, George Washington expressed his feelings on slavery when he said,"I can only say there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it (Source - PBS.org)."  The act of freeing one's slaves is called manumission and George Washington accomplished this legally by putting provisions in his Last Will and Testament.

George Washington has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the George Washington Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of George Washington in this post is in the Public Domain and was obtained on Wikipedia.

George Washington's Order Against Profanity

Pol Light Moment #27 was George Washington's General Orders On Profanity.  George Washington (1732-1799) was the First President of the United States, serving from 1789-1797. Prior to serving as President he was a military leader when the United States was struggling for it's freedom as a nation.

In 1775 Washington was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army for what is known as the Revolutionary War. Washington was concerned about the profane language used by the Continental Army and how that would impact the war efforts. On August 3, 1776, George Washington issued the following General Orders to his officers from his headquarters in New York.

The General is sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing, a vice hitherto little known in our American Army is growing into fashion. He hopes that the officers will, by example as well as influence, endeavor to check it and that both they and the men will reflect that we can little hope of the blessing of Heaven on our army if we insult it by our impiety and folly. Added to this it is a vice so mean and low without any temptation that every man of sense and character detests and despises it.

(Signed,) George Washington (Source)

George Washington has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the George Washington Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of George Washington in this post is in the Public Domain and was obtained on Wikipedia.